IV. And as Christ the Giver of it is called by
many various names, so too is this Gift, whether it is from the
exceeding gladness of its nature (as those who are very fond of a thing
take pleasure in using its name), or that the great variety of its
benefits has reacted for us upon its names. We call it, the Gift,
the Grace, Baptism, Unction, Illumination, the Clothing of Immortality,
the Laver of Regeneration, the Seal, and everything that is
honourable. We call it the Gift, because it is given to us in
return for nothing on our part; Grace, because it is conferred even on
debtors; Baptism, because sin is buried with it in the water; Unction,
as Priestly and Royal, for such were they who were anointed;
Illumination, because of its splendour; Clothing, because it hides our
shame; the Laver, because it washes us; the Seal because it preserves
us, and is moreover the indication of Dominion. In it the heavens
rejoice; it is glorified by Angels, because of its kindred
splendour. It is the image of the heavenly bliss. We long
indeed to sing out its praises, but
we cannot worthily do so.